House of Representatives have sent a letter to the secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) asking that Medicare be included in the free at-home testing program. “If one orders online, how long does it take to send tests to individuals who request them?” asks David Lipschutz, associate director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy, and “what about people without internet access - this would still require an in-person trip or a willing family member or friend” to help them get the tests. Officials at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have not said why Medicare is not part of the free-test program.īut Medicare advocates say beneficiaries shouldn’t have to rely on the federal website or community health centers. Medicare beneficiaries will be able to get free tests at some community health centers or through the federal website. Enrollees covered by Medicare Advantage plans should check with their plans to see if they will cover the cost of the test. “At this time original Medicare cannot pay for at-home tests through this program,” says a federal fact sheet outlining the plan’s specifics. Missing from this plan: older adults covered by original Medicare. In addition, there is a dedicated line for people with disabilities at 1-88 that is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to midnight ET, 7 days a week, and help is available in English, Spanish and more than 150 other languages. The tests will be mailed free between 7 and 12 days after they are ordered.įor those who have trouble accessing or using the internet or just want some help ordering the free tests, you can call a hotline at 1-80. Each residential household can order four tests under this program regardless of how many people live at that address. The government has purchased 500 million tests and plans to buy another 500 million. 19 launched , a federal website where any American who wants an at-home rapid test can order them at no cost. In addition to the coverage insurers will provide, the federal government on Jan. That’s more than twice what these tests have been costing. ‡ The options listed above are not all-inclusive and test availability may change contact testing locations directly to confirm options.Many pharmacies and other stores have taped signs to their front doors that say: “No COVID Tests.” And early in January, a major national grocer was selling a single test online for $49.99, according to Lindsey Dawson, an associate director at the Kaiser Family Foundation. There may be additional testing providers not listed here. *These lists are not an endorsement by Spokane Regional Health District and are for informational purposes only. Turnaround time: 2 – 4 days-see site for details Turnaround time: 15 minutes for rapid test, PCR generally within 72 hours-inquire at clinic Restrictions: provider order required at some locations see website for locations Turnaround time: 24 hours for test appointments before 2:30 p.m. Restrictions: does not offer travel testing Call your insurance or healthcare provider to learn more about costs and other requirements. If you are seeking testing for reasons related to travel or to attend an event requiring vaccinations or proof of a negative test result, please note that requirements may change at any time. Individuals interested in fee-based testing should contact clinics directly for testing availability, protocols and fee information. Private clinics offering PCR and rapid testing for a fee are available in Spokane County. ![]() For questions about medical insurance and COVID-19, visit this page.įee-Based Testing and Testing for Travel and Events*‡ Each clinic has different screening procedures and payment options, so we recommend you call ahead. If you do not have a primary care provider or are currently without insurance, there are low-and no-cost COVID-19 testing services available in Spokane County (see clinics marked with an † above). Learn more about low- and no-cost testing options. See the provider or pharmacy’s page or contact directly for information. It is always best to check at the time you schedule an appointment. Clinics offering testing for travel purposes may charge a fee. While there should be no cost to you for testing if you have insurance, your provider may charge a fee for an office visit. It is always best to check the provider or pharmacy’s website or call ahead to ensure they are providing testing for this purpose. Please keep in mind that testing requirements are subject to change. The following locations provide COVID-19 testing Spokane County.* If you have a primary care provider, we recommend contacting them to inquire about getting tested for COVID-19.įor more information about testing for travel or to attend events, please see Fee-Based Testing & Testing for Travel and Events.
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